Roshan Mainam Expects Quick Finish At ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES
“The Indian Notorious” Roshan Mainam made an impact on the global stage in late 2019. Now, he’s hoping to make an even bigger splash and bring more recognition to his home country.
On Friday, 9 October, Mainam will get that opportunity against ONE Hefei Flyweight Tournament Champion Liu Peng Shuai in the opening contest of ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES.
The Indian feels honored to receive this matchup against a skillful opponent. But while he has plenty of respect for Liu, he also has no doubt that he’ll make a statement in the Circle.
“I know that only worthy fighters and warriors get an opportunity in ONE Championship, so in no way, shape, or form will I underestimate my opponent or anyone else,” the 24-year-old Manipur native says.
“I will come prepared for battle and with my coach and team by my side, I am super confident. I fear no one. I am always ready for battle. I am ready to showcase my new and improved skills, and I am ready to show why Evolve MMA is the best team in the world.”
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Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, November 8, 2019
After participating in the Evolve Global Tryouts in November 2018, Mainam made the squad and relocated to Singapore to train with the gym’s World Champion instructor team.
The multiple-time Indian Wrestling Champion elevated his skills to a whole new level, which he showcased at ONE: MASTERS OF FATE a year later.
That evening, Mainam quickly hit a double-leg takedown, advanced to the full-mount position, and forced Cambodian striker Khon Sichan to submit in the opening stanza.
After that spectacular promotional debut, “The Indian Notorious” was hoping to kick off 2020 on a high note. But the COVID-19 outbreak forced ONE to postpone some events while the flyweight’s adopted hometown of Singapore imposed lockdown restrictions.
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Although Mainam’s plans were temporarily derailed by the global pandemic, he remained positive and found ways to maintain a strong mindset.
“Even though we were in lockdown, I kept myself busy with self-improvement and learning,” he says.
“This has been a tough time for everyone. Initially, I was worried about what would happen to my family, friends, and loved ones, and my training.
“However, it was not in my control, and instead of thinking about it, I chose to spend my time and my thought process in improving myself the best I could.”
With restrictions now lifted and ONE’s flagship event schedule back in high gear, Mainam is ready to pick up where he left off.
He’ll have to overcome a tough challenge in Liu, who’s motivated to build more momentum in his hopes of competing for the ONE Flyweight World Title.
The 24-year-old Chinese athlete is a sanda and wrestling specialist who’s displayed immense potential over the years. He has six victories to his credit, with three coming via knockout and another three via submission.
Most recently, he finished Indonesian wrecking ball Elipitua “The Magician” Siregar with a kimura to spoil the Bali MMA representative’s perfect slate.
Despite his forward momentum, “The Indian Notorious” is confident that his grappling and heightened stand-up arsenal will stop Liu in his tracks. In fact, he believes this mixed martial arts bout won’t go any longer than 10 minutes.
“I have a wrestling background, which has already improved a lot, along with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And I have improved my striking leaps and bounds. I am more focused on myself, and I’ll display my new and improved skills,” Mainam says.
“I don’t want to sound cocky or disrespectful to my opponent or his skill set, but I feel that I can end this fight at any time. My team and coach have prepared me well for battle. I feel I should be able to finish this fight no later than the second round.”
Should Mainam accomplish that feat, he’ll provide more exposure for the Indian mixed martial arts movement.
Recently, the flyweight’s countrymen have seen plenty of success in the sport, with strong performances from Arjan “Singh” Bhullar, Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat, Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat, and Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju.
The Manipur native would love nothing more than to follow in their footsteps and jump-start his own journey to becoming India’s first Mixed Martial Arts World Champion.
He knows that journey may take a long road, but he continues to receive support from his home nation.
“I fight for my country, to raise the flag high and proud,” Mainam says.
“With the blessing of everyone and my well-wishers, I work towards realizing a dream to have a champion from India on the world’s biggest stage. I am ready for battle, and India is in my heart when I fight and in my smile when my hand is raised!”
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